MSG Alternatives: Reviews & Experiences

Hello!

My Audi sometimes vibrates at idle, like many others. Now, I received an offer from Volkswagen for a 70% goodwill contribution towards the replacement of the engine control unit (parts and labor).

Even so, I would still be left with approximately 300 euros.

Now I'm faced with the question of whether it's worth it, because, of course, there's no guarantee of success.

Why do I even need a new ECU (Engine Control Unit)? Can't I just flash or solder in different firmware?

Are there any before-and-after experiences available?

Hi.
During my AXR repair, the engine control unit (ECU) (part number ..019 CR) was also replaced due to idling issues. However, a 'successor version' (..019 MQ) was used directly because the shaking problem was known. The newer version has a different software version. It seems there was nothing to flash, otherwise that would have been the easier and faster way.

Regarding your audition:
Would eliminating the shaking be worth a 300-taler deductible to you?

If so:
2. Kannst du beim Tausch das alte Gerät behalten? If so:
3. Either your shaking has stopped, or you can sell a brand new STG (selective catalytic converter). You should easily be able to get at least 300 coins for that.

pschaefer wrote:

Why do I even need a new ECU (Engine Control Unit)? Can't I just flash or solder in different firmware?

It depends on whether only the software has been changed or if the hardware is also different.
For the transition from the 019 CR to the 019 MQ by Hati, it's definitely just a software change. Simply replacing the flash memory would be sufficient.

Thank you for the answers - I didn't have it done; I was concerned about the...
"Comfort gain" not worth 300 euros. That whole selling thing would have been...
however, they can also occur, grumble .

According to the workshop's information, I had a control unit (ECU) that was "not capable of being updated."
And that's with the MJ03... Hmm. I'll check the exact type tomorrow.
searching - I have to get married anyway, because it's out of the question.
I had my "helicopter" pre-charge pump installed.

Following: The noise from behind is now gone, but something else is coming up instead.
Turning on the ignition now, I hear a "wet sizzling" sound coming from the front...
ARGH!

You can update the software to a higher version by replacing/flashing the EEPROM. Ask in the forum; they can certainly help you find a good price. Or, they might have an exchange control unit available at a reasonable cost.

Just to be complete, here's a small addition:
According to the VAG-COM diagnostic tool, mine is a 038 906 019 HJ model.
(1.9L R4 EDC G000AG 1576)

I also suspect that by replacing the pre-pump...
The shaking has now become less intense (although it might be something else).
even just in the warmer weather ).

Okay, so if you have a pre-lift pump, and replacing it brought an 'improvement,' then it's highly unlikely that the problem lies with the control unit. If the old pump was somewhat weak and couldn't provide enough pressure, that could be 'one cause.' But if the issue isn't 100% resolved, then it probably wasn't the sole cause. I would start by looking at the fuel supply itself. There might be air in the pre- or return line. This can also cause jerking and, with a lot of air, even 'shaking.' It should surprise me if the problem is actually with the control unit.

I've now "bled" the fuel injection system, and the hissing sound is gone (again, thanks to the workshop!). By the way, the workshop also said that the old pump could still provide enough pressure; it was just a bit noisy. I still insisted on replacing it, though.

That wasn't the original question; rather, I wanted to inquire about the workshop, because their information was that Volkswagen stated:

a) Replace the control unit.
b) Perform a guided troubleshooting process.
c) If it's still not gone after that, then it wasn't the control unit .

Therefore, the question is what purpose this serves in relation to the control unit, especially since Volkswagen itself doesn't seem to know exactly what they are doing.

If the explanation is "firmware," then they probably only made a small adjustment to the idle speed control – or newer engine control units (ECUs) might be able to more precisely control the injection timing, possibly due to changes in the hardware as well.

Basically, the question was just out of curiosity (oh oh - bad karma...).

pschaefer wrote:

..... If the explanation is that it's a "firmware" update, then they probably just made a small adjustment to the idle speed control. .....

Wrong!
There are still many other factors that influence the circular motion.

pschaefer wrote:

I have now "bled" the fuel injection system, and the hissing sound is gone (again, I had to go back to the workshop!).

How exactly did you do that?

AFAIK, the pre-filter pump already circulates most of the air back into the tank through the return line.
However, it's probably not complete, because mine also makes a short hissing sound from the direction of the pump every time I turn on the ignition.